Marcel Brands misses Rafa Benitez’s Everton unveiling due to quarantining
Marcel Brands was absent from Rafa Benitez’s unveiling as Everton manager on Wednesday because he was in quarantine, according to Sky Sports.
The Everton director of football was conspicuous by his absence at Finch Farm as Benitez was finally appointed as the new Blues manager, following weeks of speculation.
However, there was no sinister reason behind his no-show, with Sky Sports reporting [as carried by the likes of Twitter-verified independent Everton media channel Toffee TV] that the Dutchman was in quarantine after being away on business duties.
United front
It has been widely reported that Brands was not the one pushing for the Benitez to become the new Blues manager, instead preferring to push for Belgium boss Robert Martinez who was in charge at Goodison Park between 2013-16. [ESPN]
The no-show of Brands at Benitez’s unveiling on Wednesday further fueled the fire of reports suggesting that the Dutchman’s nose had been put out of joint by Farhad Moshiri’s decision.
Furthermore, there were only quotes from Benitez and Moshiri when the official Everton website announced the Spaniard’s appointment.
However, a few hours after a statement was released carrying strong words from Brands, who pledged his support for the new manager.
It remains to be seen how the two will work in tandem – Benitez is considered to be a strong-willed individual who prefers to manage in the traditional way, holding control over most facets of the club.
That would fly in the face of Brands in his director of football role, as he is tasked with overseeing the general day-to-day running of Everton, including crucial aspects like transfers.
This appointment has the potential to spark fireworks between the two, and it would be a surprise to see the pair at loggerheads in the near future.
But Blues supporters will be hoping both can put aside their personal pride to work in the best interests of the club.
In other Everton news, Jamie Carragher shares instant reaction as Blues unveil Benitez.
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